Oregon might restrict pet stores to selling rescue dogs

Oregon pet stores would no longer be able to sell dogs purchased from breeders under a bill under consideration in the 2018 Legislature.
Statesman Journal

Three-year-old Elsa is taken out for a walk at the Marion County Dog Shelter on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017. Dogs at the shelter are usually taken for walks and exercise by one of the shelter's volunteers, of which there is a core group of 15-20 members.(Photo: MOLLY J. SMITH / Statesman Journal)

The bill would increase adoptions of rescue dogs, the bill's cosponsor, Rep. David Gomberg, D-Otis, said. And it would filter out puppy mills — large-scale breeders who put profit over animal care.

Instead, people seeking purebreds would have to buy them directly from a breeder.

“It’s good for these dogs that are languishing in shelters," Gombert said. "And it’s good public policy. Most of these shelters, whether they are run by governments or run by nonprofits, are costing money.”

California became the first state in the nation to pass such a bill, last year. Its law, which also applies to cats and rabbits, takes effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Nebraska and New York are considering similar legislation.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council opposes all of the bills.

Mike Bober, the industry group’s president and CEO, said the proposals actually lessen protections for pet buyers.

Under federal law, pet stores must buy from registered breeders, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But rescue dogs don’t come with health histories or warranties, he said.

“It becomes a buyer beware situation,” he said.

And, nationwide, only 4 percent of animals that come into homes come from pet stores, he said.

“The idea that somehow you’re striking at the very heart of the breeding industry by making it impossible to buy through pet stores simply isn’t true,” he said.

Opponents also have said it would be too difficult to acquire enough animals from shelters.

Terri Ellen, who owns Nature’s Pet Market in South Salem’s Sunnyslope Shopping Center, said that’s hard to believe. The store works with local rescue organizations to adopt out animals.

“I think there are so many animals that there will always be enough to supply any pet stores,” Ellen said.